Today's muse posed beautifully on a branch trailing in the lake behind our home, which is always filled with waterfowl, turtles and brightly colored fish (including some leaping fish which make a loud "KERSPLASH" several times a day). This handsome gentleman gave me a chance to return to my first love, watercolor, and then my second love (mixed media) all on the same board.

The number eight is my "life path" number in numerology. When I first found out this was my number, I was a bit sad! Eight is the number of the "executive", a workaholic and driven individual who values success and financial security. Eight people aren't materialistic, but they do need a good sized savings account to feel okay. Number eights tend to say what they're thinking (oh yeah!) and are rule followers. So far, not a very exciting number to be born with, right?

But eights tend to be big successes in whatever they do, and are late bloomers! No matter how old they are, they can achieve their goals, find new careers or passions and outshine their younger counterparts.

Eight has a dual nature (top and bottom circles), and can be the symbol of both generation and degeneration. Turn it sideways and you have infinity. So number eight people have the ability to recognize a big decision gone bad, and make a complete reversal mid-way.

Now this number decided to insert itself on my piece of art today. So it made me wonder, what does the heron mean, and are these two things harmonious in any way?

The heron symbolizes self-determination and self-reliance. They have the ability to follow their own path, complete a variety of tasks at one time, or to find another way to accomplish something if the first way doesn't work. The heron has innate wisdom, and does not need others to point the way. Herons can be aggressive in getting what they want, and don't let anything stop them.

Herons are comfortable in all three elements - air, water, earth, and are comfortable with transitions, being neither here nor there, and are content to be solitary.

It seems to me both this self-reliant bird and the success-oriented number eight belong together on this piece. An interesting synchronicity which has me completely delighted! Life (and art) are full of wonderful surprises.

This piece is available, ready for hanging. Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com

I think this is my favorite. "The heron symbolizes self-determination and self-reliance." and then there's "the ability to follow their own path, complete a variety of tasks at one time," or to find another way to accomplish something if the first way doesn't work." Add in the infinity and ability to reverse if things don't work out and I think the number eight is perfect. This little man is tall, majestic, and self assured just like his artist. Yes, this is my favorite.